NZ post vehicles roll into Pukekohe
Pukekohe residents will be among the first to see New Zealand Post’s new electric delivery vehicles in operation with driver training having started this week.
The four-wheeled vehicles, which are fully electric, will ultimately be used for the combined delivery of parcels and mail in residential areas of New Zealand’s larger towns and cities.
The rollout started last year in Oamaru and in parts of Auckland, and the vehicles have now arrived in Pukekohe.
Pukekohe delivery team leader Maree Grant said: ‘‘This is part of a national rollout of the electric vehicles and I’m proud that people in Pukekohe will be among the first to see them in action.’’
The vehicles can carry up to 200 kilograms of parcels and mail but are still small and nimble enough to be used on the footpath.
‘‘These vehicles are an investment in New Zealand Post’s future as we change the way we deliver to meet the growing demand for parcel deliveries,’’ said Grant.
‘‘They’re also environmentally friendly which is important to us and our customers.’’
‘‘Previous trials have shown these vehicles are safe to use on the footpath. Our drivers receive safety training, and they will give way to all other footpath users,’’ said Grant.
New Zealand Post remains in close contact with the Auckland Council and has been given permission to use the vehicles on footpaths in residential areas.
The vehicles will not be used in Pukekohe central business district for safety reasons because of the high number of pedestrians in that area and mail will be delivered on foot in these locations.